Discontent fuels separatism in Zambia

Self-determination calls strike a sympathetic chord in neglected Western Province despite fear of government reprisals.

Dozens of people have been arrested this year in Zambia, accused of treason for supporting the creation of a new state called Barotseland in the country's Western Province.

Many people in the area are farmers whose lives seem remote from Lusaka's complicated politics and history. Even today, some are too afraid to speak out against the federal government owing to fear of reprisals. But many in the neglected area say they understand the desire for self-determination.